Locking clutch ratchet wrenches
OwnerNigel Buchananinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A locking clutch ratchet wrench (1) is configured such that a clutch ring (500) forms the mid part of aminate like structure. Under torque applying conditions, the compression forces applied to the clutch ring (500) are substantially dissipated around the circumference (507) of the clutch ring. This inwardly directed force clamp against the inherently strong outer surface 405 of the drive element (400). The resultant pseudo laminate structure of the drive element (400), clutch (500) and housing (201, 202) enables the construction of a proportionately stronger ratchet wrench of reduced height or width.
Claims19
A locking clutch ratchet wrench comprising:
- a handle having opposing ends, a first said end received in a housing, said housing having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a housing aperture, said inner surface having a plurality of housing ramps;
- a clutch ring disposed in said housing aperture, said clutch ring having a first end having a first actuator face and a second end having a second actuator face, said clutch ring further having an outer surface and an inner surface that defines an aperture, said outer surface having a plurality of transmission ramps that engage said housing ramps and at least a portion of said inner surface having a plurality of gripping notches;
- said first end of the handle having an actuator that is disposed between said actuator faces of said clutch ring, and at least one biasing protrusion;
- and
- a drive element disposed in said clutch ring, said drive element having an outer surface and a spigot,
- wherein said first end of the handle is pivotally mounted to said housing and pivotable relative to said housing to cause said actuator to apply pressure to a said actuator face to cause said clutch ring to move relative to said housing about said drive element so that said transmission ramps move on said housing ramps to cause said clutch ring to clamp onto said drive element.
A locking clutch ratchet wrench:
- a handle having opposing ends, a first said end connected with a housing, said housing having a switch recess, an outer surface and an inner surface that defines a housing aperture, said inner surface having a plurality of housing ramps;
- a clutch ring disposed in said housing aperture, said clutch ring having a first end having a first actuator face and a second end having a second actuator face, said clutch ring having an outer surface and an inner surface that defines an aperture, said outer surface of said clutch ring having a plurality of transmission ramps, and at least a portion of said inner surface of said clutch ring being smooth;
- a switch situated within said switch recess, said switch having an actuator situated between said actuator faces of said clutch ring, and at least one biasing protrusion;
- and a drive element disposed in said clutch ring, said drive element having an outer surface and a spigot, at least a portion of said outer surface having gripping notches, wherein said switch is pivotable relative to said housing to cause said actuator to apply pressure to a said actuator face to cause said clutch ring to move about said drive element so that said transmission ramps move on said housing ramps to cause said clutch ring to clamp onto said drive element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.